Hinduism Belief System

Hinduism lacks a uniting belief system. In other words, Hinduism is actually many beliefs and practices labeled as a single religion. Completing this paper should give you a more comprehensive understanding of the true meaning of Hinduism.

In this assignment, you will complete a paper on Hinduism. The paper will allow you to focus on the religion's cultural and societal influences and compare them to its origins. You are also asked to explain the Hindu desire for liberation from earthly existence. After completing this assignment, you should have general comprehension of the Hindu religion.

1. Considering that Hinduism lacks a uniting belief system, what makes up the Hindu religion?

2. What are the cultural and societal influences that have made Hinduism vital to the region in which it originated?

3. Explain the desire for liberation from earthly existence.

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Let's take a closer look at these interesting questions!

RESPONSE:

1. Considering that Hinduism lacks a uniting belief system, what makes up the Hindu religion?

Hinduism lacks a uniting system, but does have some core beliefs that make up the religion. For the Hindu, God is the one supreme universal spirit that underlies all human, animal and material life. It is towards this divine spirit which all religious feelings and theology strive. To Hindus, each religion's and every devotee's particular view of God represents a true aspect of God. However, there are some unique beliefs that make up the Hindu world view, such as: anadi (beginninglessness), karma (the moral law of life), samsara (rebirth) and moksha (freedom or release). The basic Indian world view assumes a cycle of birth, death and rebirth leading the believer to the desire for release from this endless round of suffering, Suffering is linked to the passions of the body and earthly existence. It is "suffering" because life in this world implies separation from the divine (The Canadian Encyclopedia).

See further explanation at the end of this response.

2. What are the cultural and societal influences that have made Hinduism vital to the region in which it originated?

Hinduism is the religion of about 400 million people in India, Africa, Indonesia and the West Indies. Even historians do not know its origin. It grew overtime, taking in various cultural ad societal rituals and beliefs. It reached a stage of high philosophical, religious and psychological development by 1500 BC and has sustained it to the present. It consists of "thousands of different religious groups that have evolved in India since 1500 BCE." (Levinson, 1998). Hinduism has maintained its supremacy in India despite numerous migrations into the country and attempts at evangelization by other religions; notably, Buddhism, Islam and ...